To Be or not to Be Submissive?
For those who are familiar with the Bible, a quick way to stir up controversy among women is to bring up the topic of submission. The most famous Bible text regarding this (Ephesians 5:22) states: “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” The quoting of this text often incites swift responses such as, “I’m not going to let a man walk over me!” or “This doesn’t apply anymore! It’s the 21st century!” These reactions are usually heated and emotional, but the passion behind them doesn’t necessarily mean that they are in line with sound reasoning. Learning the art of submission is essential in every woman’s path to becoming her ideal lady.
Submission is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as, “The state of being submissive or compliant; meekness.” Being submissive is important in healthy relationships because concessions are often more effective in gaining and maintaining peace than compromise. With a compromise, nobody is happy. With a concession, one person is pleased to receive, and the other, to give. Submission is a great gift that adds health to every relationship. However, it surely has its limits. Submission is not meant for a woman to endure any abuse. In the same way the Bible encourages women to submit to their husbands, it also encourages husbands to love their wives as themselves, even to the point of death. There is no way abuse falls within these guidelines. Submission is not an order for women to be “door mats” for people to walk on.
Most importantly, submission is not only useful within the confines of a marriage, but also extremely helpful in other settings. Submission can be less defined as weakness and more as humility. Humility will take you far in school, at work, and in friendships. No ideal woman can exist without a great measure of humility. Those who humble themselves will eventually be elevated. I encourage you to embrace your submissive side, and take notice of the results you will reap. Your personal, academic, and professional lives will likely be much more peaceful once you add a little humility to your demeanor. Now you’re one step closer to your ideal self!